Klaus: *A month after the Dunan Unification War had ended, he found himself traveling toward Harmonian border to carry messages from Shu to the empire. The journey would take long and with only a few companions. In a way, this was an incognito trip. At a town near the border, the group stopped to eat and have some free time to rest. Klaus disbanded his people save for two who would protect the papers he had from Shu. They went into a restaurant that served also as a bar and the inn and sat down at a table.*

Culgan: *He was sitting in a table in the corner of the bar, mostly wasting his time. He and Seed had barely survived when L'Renouille Castle had collapsed. Now they had to be careful, so they'd decided to take different courses. That had been a week ago. They'd agreed to meet here, and he had arrived yesterday. Now he was waiting for Seed, knowing that it would take the redhead another day to reach the village. He sighed, adjusting the hood of his cloak a bit when he saw a familiar face entering the place. //Klaus?!//*

Klaus: *He did not glance in Culgan's direction. Conversing over the progress of the journey with the two men, who were ex-mercenaries now hired by the new Jowston state, he ordered a cup of tea for himself. His mind wandered as he sipped at the warm liquid, tripping back to the days when he used to live in L'Renouille. He missed the peaceful days before the war; such nostalgic thoughts were unfitting of a strategist, but he could not help them. He had heard that Culgan and Seed fought bravely at the palace and that their remains were not found afterwards. He had hopes that they might be alive somewhere. With a small sigh from his pink lips, he placed the cup down and excused himself from the other two. He left the papers with the older soldier, who was his second-in-command for the journey. To get his mind off of the sombering matters, he asked the innmaster if he could rent a small room to nap in. He headed upstairs with the key given to him.*

Culgan: *Glancing around quickly, he got up from his seat and followed the young strategist. //So, you're still alive, little traitor...// He was not a man to act before thinking, but he couldn't let this opportunity slip away. //And I have to waste some more time before Seed gets here... might just as well make you pay. Working for Jowston now, I presume...// He guessed that the brunette was planning on a short rest. In those few seconds that it got him to get to upstairs, he had come up with a good plan what to do.*

Klaus: *He entered the tiny room just furnished with a bed and a dresser and closed the door. He would have locked the door right away, but he saw that the window was wide open, so he went to close that first. Looking out from there, he realized that the room was facing east, toward Highland. Although he could see nothing that reminded him of his home country from here, he narrowed his amethyst eyes to see as far as possible.*

Culgan: *Seeing his chance as Klaus didn't lock the door, he entered the room quietly, then carefully took off his cloak. //Klaus... traitor...// Normally, he didn't let his feeling take took much control of him, but this time... He took the few required steps closer, then suddenly covered the strategist's head with the dark cloak. He also slapped his hand on the younger man's mouth, making sure that he couldn't scream. He didn't have much trouble dragging Klaus with him, as he was a lot stronger. He exited the room after making sure that no one saw them, then quickly crossed the corridor and made his way to his own room, dragging the brunette with him.*

Klaus: Mmm!! *He screamed, his voice useless beneath the large hand that had clasped over his mouth. His hands shot up to unlatch the muffling palm, but another long arm wrapped about him and began to drag his entire body. He could not see a thing, for a dark cloak had been thrown over his head. All he could do was struggle and kick his legs, hoping to catch something so that the noise would draw someone's attention. No such luck blessed him. He felt the texture of the floor change and dreadfully understood that he had been taken out of the small room. //Who is this!? A mugger? Or... no, it can't be an assassin. I'm of no value to kill...//*

Culgan: Shut up... *He whispered in a cold tone, stopping by the door of his room. He had the key ready, so he quickly opened the door and pushed the young strategist inside. He locked the door behind them, and threw the brunette to the bed quite violently. Then he grabbed his sword, placing the sharp blade on Klaus' neck just when the cloak dropped to the floor.* Ah. Klaus. What a pleasant surprise...

Klaus: *The moment the obscuring fabric slid from his face, he glared at the assailant. His lovely purple eyes widened, his expression going stricken as he stared at the tall, silver-haired man. Even the threat from the sword against his throat escaped his shocked mind.* Sir... Culgan? *He whispered the name, disbelieving. However, relief soon overcame him, along with the understanding for all the enmity he saw in the cold pale-blue eyes. He half lay on the bed, quiet and unmoving.*

Culgan: What? Is that a way to greet an old friend? Or are you too loyal to Jowston to care about such things anymore? *His expression was cold and calm, but for someone who knew him a bit better, his ice-blue eyes, usually calm, but now burning with cold fire, gave him away. Slowly, he lifted the sword, smiling a bit evilly.* I don't think I need this... you can probably guess that if you scream, I will kill you with my bare hands. Now...

Klaus: *He knew very well that Culgan was capable of snapping his neck with bare hands. He kept quiet voluntarily, for he did not want to be disturbed in this miraculous reunion with an old friend.* Sir Culgan... I'm only glad to see you again. *He straightened up, sitting on the mattress and looking fearlessly into the older man's expression-lacking face. He refused to be afraid of the rare anger that he saw in the other's eyes.* I will not call upon my men. Please tell me... is Sir Seed also alive?

Culgan: Oh, Seed... Of course he is alive. Barely, but he is. Thanks to your Jowstonian friends, we were almost killed... *He turned away and sheathed the sword.* If not for some of our men who were hiding nearby, we'd be dead now. Oh yes, Seed is alive and well, and would certainly be /very/ happy to see you here... He'd probably kill you before I could even make a move to stop him. You could stick around for a day if you want to try... But I guess I'll just have to deal with you myself. *He stopped to take a deep breath, but it didn't do much good to calm the rage burning inside him.*

Klaus: *//Of course... Sir Seed would kill me.// Agreeing sadly, he held his hands together upon his lap. He did not plan to make any laments; he had betrayed Luca Blight and Highland Kingdom in order to save it from further deterioration. He did not regret the choice his father and he had made. However, it still crushed him that his close friends hated him.* What do you plan to do, Sir Culgan? I will not plead for anything, but I must go on unharmed to fulfill the mission I have been sent on. *He tensed just a little, gathering the concentration he would need if he were to attempt an escape from Culgan. He doubted that he would be able to, but he may have to try in case the man planned to maim him or worse.*

Culgan: Unharmed, huh... *He stared at the younger man coldly. After all that had happened, his duty would've been to kill the strategist, but there was no Highland now, so he didn't have any obligations. And besides, he knew better; he knew that killing Klaus wouldn't make things any better. //But I will punish you for what you've done... And I do have a way to do that.// He smiled, still coldly but now quite evilly.* I won't harm you, Klaus... At least, not in a way that someone would notice... but....

Klaus: No one would notice... *He repeated Culgan's words, slowly paling. He guessed what the man meant; he had been with Seed once during a fling that had not worked out well. He didn't regret having been with someone, but a rape was something he'd rather not go through. Even with the knowledge that Culgan would not beat him, it was a defilement to his person.* Sir Culgan, no... *He backed away on the bed, his eyes on the door behind the tall swordsman.*

Culgan: You should've thought of that before joining Jowston... before betraying us. *He stepped closer, grabbing Klaus' shoulder not too gently.* The door is locked, so don't try. You should thankful - I could also just keep you here until Seed arrives and let him take care of you. You know very well that he doesn't share my calmness. *With a sudden move, he threw the younger man to the bed.*

Klaus: *He didn't let out any startled cries, but he turned immediately on the mattress and scrambled to get away from Culgan's reach. He had to fight back, but at the same time, he had to let the matters settle without calling attention upon them. If his men found him being assaulted by Culgan, there will be a fight and someone would die.* Is that it, Sir Culgan? Your hatred derives from my betrayal? I never thought you to be the man to give in to personal enmity. *He spoke in a hushed tone, trying to manipulate the situation somehow.* Highland will be rebuilt, not as a subjugated colony of Jowston but an independent republic. Can't you see that the matter has been resolved, whether for the good or the bad? There is no use benting out the anger!

Culgan: I don't hate you, Klaus. But I do dislike your betrayal. I know your reasons, but it doesn't change the fact that you abandoned your country when it needed you! *The cold fire flared at his eyes again as he sat down on the rim of the bed and grabbed the younger man by collar, drawing him closer.* What I hate the most in your betrayal is the fact that it's one of the reasons Jowston won... And one of the reasons why I almost died. Why Seed almost died... And that I will never forgive you.

Klaus: *He did not flee from Culgan's accusations or the flaing gaze. He only stared back, not yielding his own belief that he had done everything for the best.* And had you won, I would have died. Do you not understand, Sir Culgan? Deaths and wars go hand in hand. The fact that you and Sir Seed are alive... that miracle in itself has made me happy. You may take it as a traitor's hypocrisy, but I mean it. *He understood Culgan all too well. The anger, however illogical, was well-prompted and justly roused. He had no way of appeasing it.* ...You will not let me go, will you... *He whispered, very calm despite the pale shade of his delicate face.*

Culgan: *He shook his head, not letting go of the younger man.* No. I should kill you, but I don't feel like killing an old friend... You probably know that I could do it, and leave this place unnoticed, but I don't want you dead, Klaus. Because you're right; it's no good anymore. The war is over. *He smiled sadly, then started to work with Klaus' shirt.* But I can't just let you go. And it's not my style to beat anyone. So I'll just do one thing I know I can do... And you will submit, or I'll reconsider that beating part.

Klaus: *His amethyst eyes closed, sadness and resignment taking over him. He would not fight Culgan. He did not want to be beaten by an old friend, only because the blows would get to his heart rather than his body. Breathing out shakily, he turned his face away from Culgan, pressing his cheek to the cold sheets.* ...I will not put up a resistance. Neither will I accept. Do as you would please to a lifeless piece of meat. *He whispered bitterly, refusing to speak or see.*

Culgan: Lifeless? We'll see about that... *He smiled to himself, suddenly getting a few good ideas for this "punishment". He knew that Klaus was inexperienced, and if the young man wanted to think this was just a rape... //I know how to break that spirit, Klaus. After I'm done with you, you'll wish I had just raped you...// Satisfied with his plan, he continued stripping the younger man, dropping the garments to the floor.*

Klaus: *// He will not. // He told himself firmly, keeping his eyes shut. He lay like a doll indeed, even as he was stripped down to nude. Although he could imagine himself being bare and loosely spread over the bed in Culgan's sight, he did not curl up. He did not react, doing his best to detach his feelings from the current situation. This was not the first time for him to be naked in someone's eyes. He would endure. //I must. He will be done soon enough.//*

Culgan: *He admired the sight for a moment, then started taking off some of his own clothing. He stopped after getting his shirt of, touching carefully at his left shoulder. He still had to keep it bandaged. //Wound from the last battle... A little reminder of Highland's fall. Will leave scar after it's completely healed. Oh well. Seed won't mind...// He shook his head to get rid of the thought, then leaned down to kiss the brunette softly to the lips. His ran his hand down on the slender body.* You're pale... Paler than usual. And thin, too. Haven't you been taking care of yourself?

Klaus: *It was true had he had lost some weight through stress during and after the war, but it was none of Culgan's concern, or so he thought. He shivered as a hand ran over his skin, biting into his lower lip, then easing his teeth to avoid injuring himself. He could not leave ANY evidence of this encounter. His own breathing sounded so loud, along with the rustle of sheets beneath Culgan's subtle motions. The kiss, very soft and even gentle, claimed his pursed lips. He kept his mouth closed stubbornly, determined to not to cry out or move from this position unless rolled over by Culgan.*

Culgan: I suggest you start keeping better care of yourself, or soon you'll be just as gone as your old country... *He didn't actually know why he cared. //Guess I'm just like this... And I don't wish for you to die, Klaus.// He studied the younger man for a while, and could easily see how determined the brunette was. //We'll see about that soon enough.// He kissed Klaus again, this time forcing the lips apart a bit.*

Klaus: *He tried to keep his jaws clenched tightly, but he could not fight against the skillful probing of Culgan's tongue and lips. The moment he tired, his lips were forced to part and he had to stifle the whimper that rose up his throat. He was starting to feel fear; Culgan had much more experience than Seed, it seemed. //But of course... Sir Culgan had taught Sir Seed...// An ever-calm part of him spoke so in the back of his mind. He curled his fingers on the sheets and kept on pushing away the whimper that threatened to come out of him.*

Culgan: *He continued caressing the younger man's soft skin, not breaking the kiss. He knew that Klaus wasn't completely inexperienced, since Seed had told him about being with the young strategist once. //Hope you liked that, Klaus... Unfortunately Seed isn't very experienced in being the giving partner. I should know...// The brunette was still able to resist the gently touches, but he knew that the strategist would have to give up soon. //I bet you liked what Seed did, Klaus. Bad news, dear... I taught him.// His hand stopped his hand that was caressing the smooth chest and started playing with one small nub instead, feeling it turning hard under his touch.*

Klaus: *His slender upper body arched when Culgan's fingers found one sensitive nipple. Through the feel of touch, he noticed the tiny nub pucker up, and blushed crimson at the cheeks. He still did not cry out, but he almost moved his hands to stop the teasing fingers. //I must not. He will make it worse if I fight.// The tingling sensation steadily built up to small bits of pleasure at each pinch upon the nub. Had this been back in the days when Seed was still his friend, he might have made a joke about the redhead needing further studies in giving pleasure. //Don't think about back then.// The back of his eyes felt warmer, even hot, and he banished the thoughts of happier days.

Culgan: *Breaking the kiss for a short moment, he studied the brunette's face, smiling to himself. //Ready to give up, eh... Good boy, Klaus.// Then he kissed the younger man again, this time a lot more passionately, almost brutally. //I won't hurt you. I don't have to. Being forced to enjoy this will be enough punishment for you...// His fingers worked with the hard nub skillfully, determined to get a reaction out of the young strategist.*

Klaus: *He arched again, his face angled and tilted by Culgan's kiss. Soft dark hair ruffled over the bed as he squirmed to get away. //No...// With dread, he waved good-bye to the prospect of remaining motionless. Insistent fingering of his nipple warmed his lower body, making him whimper unconsciously. Naturally, the stimulation just to the upper body was not enough for a young man like Klaus. He didn't beg, not on his life, but he couldn't help the tug of erection pulling at his crotch. The aggressive kiss stole his breath, making him light-headed and thus more vulnerable.*

Culgan: *He continued kissing the younger man for a bit longer, then turned to glance down on the brunette's slender body. //Ah... I win, Klaus.// He smiled, then moved lower to kiss the younger strategist's neck. He caressed the soft skin with his lips, then stopped to play with the nipple his fingers had played with earlier. He moved his hand lower, stopping it between the younger man's legs. //I bet you'd pay anything right now to not to be reacting like this, Klaus dear...// *

Klaus: *Fire flushed his face a deeper crimson when the large hand slipped between his thighs and rested at the sensitive area. He huffed out, careful not to make a noise. He shook his head against the nibbling lips over his chest, his lips parting and giving out a defeated mew. His hands clutched at the sheets tighter and weaker, along with his straining limbs.* Ahn... please, no... no... *He whimpered, wanting to deny that he was becoming erect beneath Culgan's hand that had not even begun to stroke him. The words were out before he could stop himself, and he opened his eyes fearfully. He had resisted, much to his shame.*

Culgan: 'No?' Are you pleading me to stop? Didn't I tell you not to resist... *He whispered, not turning away or stopping what he was doing. He didn't give the young strategist much time to answer before pressing his palm gently against the erection. //Hmm... very good.// Slowly, he started stroking the member in his hand, smiling to himself while concentrating back on caressing the hard nubs.*

Klaus: Aahh... *He moaned softly, his eyes closing once again and tear drops spilling down his blushed cheeks. He shifted on the bed, fighting back the urge to pump back to the warm hand. He would lose out eventually, but he would not yield as long as he could hold out. Culgan's skills were too much, his calm composure even more frightening than Seed's rash possession of the body. It had hurt much more when he'd been with Seed. His hands lost power and he wandered his arms a bit, changing their positions until his hands rested by his head laxly. In a moment of crushing mortification, he clasped a palm over his lips and stifled the kitten-like mews.*

Culgan: *He smiled quite victoriously now, stopping his gentle caresses for a short moment to change his position. He moved between the younger man's legs, forcing them apart.* You could just stop fighting, Klaus. You know you've lost already, so you're just wasting your strength. *He returned his attention to the erected member, stroking it gently for some more before leaning down to kiss the tip of the length.*

Klaus: *He jolted on the sheets, his thighs and lower abdomen muscles tensing visibly. Warm lips traced over the head of his erection, tantalizing him just by light brushing suckles. He cried out more into his palm, the sound not anguished but dripping with bliss. He knew that Culgan was right; he had lost and would end up welcoming the invasion wholly. The thoughts dissipated as he strained more, parted legs rigid and waist bucking up for further stimulation. It was a wonder that he managed to keep his mouth covered. Muffled cries turned into single-syllabel mews in his throat.*

Culgan: *He didn't give the younger man any rest as he started sucking on the length skillfully. //Still trying to fight, Klaus dear? Trying. Not succeeding.// He grinned in his mind, listening to the soft cries that the brunette was trying to suppress. He occupied his hands on caressing the strategist's thighs, planning all his moves carefully. //I'll need some oil... Not a problem, since I do have some, thanks to Seed...// *

Klaus: *He whimpered, squirming and vainly trying to get himself away from Culgan's mouth. His lower body burned, losing control and breaking into erratic thrusts of pre-orgasmic throes. // Ahh... // The world turned into shards. He squeezed his eyes shut tighter, letting go of his lips and grabbing at the sheets tightly just above his head.* Yaaa... ahn, aahhh...!! Sir Cul-, ...no, no...!! *He thrashed and shook his head, weeping as he began to twitch. He would come any second, if Culgan kept up the ministrations. This moment was hellish in comparison to the crashing bliss that would inevitably assault him soon.*

Culgan: //Hmm. So close now...// *He intentionally stopped for a moment, letting the young strategist suffer for a while. He reached for his coat and took a small bottle from the pocket, smiling to himself. //I'll need this soon... but let's finish this first.// He returned to fondling the hard length, skillfully suckling on the member while caressing the younger man's thighs with one hand, the other one occupied with one nub on the smooth chest.*

Klaus: Aaaaah!! *He arched, legs completely tense and wrapping against Culgan's torso. He pressed as far as he could into the engulfing mouth, sobbing and pleading in yips. He had never been this lost before; not with Seed, not with anyone. He gasped in rhythmed breaths along with his thrusting motion. He released, then sagged down on the mattress as though all the muscles in his body had become jelly.* Ahh....... *His fingers untangled from the sheets, legs undoing from Culgan's body.*

Culgan: *He waited until the young strategist had emptied out, then raised his face.* Still in denial, Klaus? It would've been so much easier if I'd just raped you, eh... But why would I settle on hurting your body, when I can play with your mind... Works much better as a punishment. *He changed his position a little, smiling evilly. He took the small bottle now and rubbed some of the contents to his hands.* And I'm not done yet...

Klaus: *He dimly heard Culgan. // Not... done... // He knew what was not done and what else was in store for him. Not bothering to show reaction, he just lay there huffing and sniffling. // True. I would have preferred being raped to this... but... I can at least submerge into the illusion of affection beneath the gentle caresses. // He fluttered the amethyst eyes closed, too tired to keep up his spirit.* Sir Culgan... *He whispered, sounding weak.*

Culgan: Yes? What is it, Klaus? Want to plead me to stop? No, Klaus. I'm going to finish this, and you'd better just lie there and suffer. *His voice was cold, mostly because of the short rage that flowed through him. //No... control yourself. You don't want to hurt him like that.// He took a deep breath, then looked at the younger man, ice-cold eyes showing no emotion. Then he smiled calmly, caressing the strategist's thighs.*

Klaus: *He shook his head, falling quiet and still. His parted thighs trembled as well-oiled hands stroked at them, but he only sighed out like a dying prey and pressed his cheek against the sheets. He'd suffer; Culgan would make sure of that. //Suffer for what? I did nothing wrong. Nothing was wrong, not Sir Culgan and Sir Seed's patriotism, not my father's decision to turn to JSCA. If only the war had not happened...// For the first time in many years, he began to sob, not out of physical agony or shame but like a child tormented by painful dilemma.*

Culgan: *He glanced at the younger man's face, still smiling coldly.* Better try to relax now, because I really don't want to hurt you. But if you don't relax, I won't care if it hurts, either, so it's entirely your choice. *He slipped his fingers between the brunette's buttocks and pressed two fingers in carefully. //Guess this hurts a bit... Doesn't matter. But...// He occupied his other hand with caressing the smooth chest again, playfully tracing his fingers over the hard nubs.*

Klaus: Agh... *Crying out through the sobs, he squirmed, his thighs kept apart by Culgan's position between his legs. He wasn't torn, thanks to the slickness of the oil, but neither was he used to having something inside of him. He didn't know how to take the fingers, so he clamped hard against them, making everything worse for the two of them. The older man's attention upon his nipples made him weak, consequently making him relax. Breathing out a trembling gasp, he rolled over to his stomach clumsily and tried to get away nevertheless. At this point, he had lost the track of what he was doing. He only wanted to get away and curl up into a ball, though he was too tired to move by much. Culgan's fingers never left him, much to his despair. They probed right to his weak spots, stripping power from his knees so that he only ended up flipped, more vulnerable to what was to happen.* Ahn... Ahhh... *He whimpered, pulling the sheets to cover his face.*

Culgan: *He grinned victoriously, feeling quite satisfied with the young strategist's responses. //You lose, Klaus... And you've deserved the suffering.// He pressed his fingers accurately against the weak spots, enjoying listening to the young man's cries.* Had enough? Not a chance... *He had to close his eyes for a moment and take a few deep breaths again. //He deserves it... but you've never lost control, and you won't do it now, either. And this won't work if you don't stay calm.// He smiled a bit bitterly, grabbing the sheets off and throwing them away from the bed.* No need for those...

Klaus: *Nearly squealing with each pressing against his prostate, he wept into the sheets until the cloth was taken away from him. His lower body burned, inside and out. By the feel of hardness rubbing against the mattress, he realized that he was erect once again. Small squirting sensation of precum drove him into a frenzy, bucking to Culgan's long fingers for more blissful stimulation.*

Culgan: Enough... Now. *He withdrew his fingers, shifting his position a bit. He turned Klaus around and leaned to kiss him shortly.* You look quite tortured... that's good. *He slipped his hand between the strategist's legs and laughed softly.* Looks like you're enjoying this. Very good indeed... But as I said, enough. *He worked with his clothes for a few seconds, then drew the brunette closer and positioned himself between the slender legs. He pressed in almost brutally, but still making sure that he wasn't hurting the young strategist.*

Klaus: Aaaaaaa!! *He shrieked, not painfully but shocked from the insertion of Culgan's length. His hands wandered blindly against the older man's shoulders, trying to push away at first but then slipping about the strong neck for support. He clung there, sobbing against Culgan's shoulder while he was forced to take in the hard member fully. Once the initial pressure subsided, he felt the scalding warmth of what he engulfed, and whimpered in dissatisfaction at the discomfort.*

Culgan: *He frowned, trying to ignore the slight pain that the wound on his shoulder caused him. //Guess I'm not fully recovered yet... Hmm. Won't stop me from finishing this...// He concentrated on thrusting in steadily, capturing the younger man's lips for a kiss. Then he looked at Klaus' face, shaking his head.* You're weak, Klaus... Really have to wonder how you made it through the war...

Klaus: Aaa... *His amethyst eyes focused briefly upon Culgan's face looking into his, and he whispered shakily in response.* I... was d-determined to... see the end of i-it... *Wincing at the deep thrusts, he moaned tensely and shifted his hold on Culgan so that he had his arms about the man's back instead. He felt like a soldier impaled through and through; the analogy struck him funny, but he did not have the leisure to laugh.* S-Seed and you and... I... we vowed l-loyalty to the s-same nation. S-Someone had to... stay alive to s-see how Highland would... turn out. *The cruel thrusts began hitting him deep against the prostate, and he trailed off with a sharp cry. He can't say anything more, for he is helpless to tiny moans escaping his lips.*

Culgan: To see how Highland would turn out... *He looked at the younger man's face, shaking his head.* Hope you're satisfied with what you see now. I'm not. *He cut off the strategist's helpless moans by covering his lips with his own again, drawing the brunette close for a passionate kiss. His ice-blue eyes were dark, full of anger. //I'm taking my anger on you... Traitor.// He couldn't help but feeling a tiny bit of guilt for what he was doing, but it didn't matter. //But since I can't kill you... And I don't want that, anyway.// He closed his eyes, determined to stay calm.*

Klaus: *He squirmed against Culgan, his member pressing against the man's abdomen. Sparks flew behind his closed eyes and he cried out into the kiss as he climaxed again. He could do nothing but twine harder to the other's body, his limbs clutching desperately until he'd emptied out. The fluttering motion of his inner tract turned from blissful to agonizing when the orgasm had passed, not allowing him the respite he badly needed in the fatigue. Warmth left his fingertips and toes, the sensation of engulfing darkness and despair consuming him until he fainted.*

Culgan: *He broke the kiss, stopping to look at the younger man with a half-smile on his face.* Poor thing... *He shook his head slightly, then thrust in a few more times, not really caring for the pleasure his release gave him. Then he sighed and pulled off of the strategist's body. He got some water, cleaned himself a bit, then relaxed on the bed and watched the brunette for a while. //You still look so innocent, Klaus... but too much has happened...// He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking back before the war. //All gone now... Highland...// He sighed, then sat up and shook the younger man gently.* Klaus, wake up. Get dressed and get out of here. And leave the town before Seed gets here.

Klaus: *He stirred, whimpering, but when he saw Culgan, his expression tightened. No longer weeping, he sat up slowly and reached for his clothes without a word. He didn't look at the older man.* ...Sir Culgan, too much has happened during the war... *He mirrored the ex-general's thoughts, his voice empty and soft. He pulled on the purple outer shirt and smoothed his hair.* Please tell Sir Seed... no, never mind... *Swaying a bit as he stood, the young strategist went for the door and turned his head briefly back to Culgan.* I'm glad to have found out your well-being... Perhaps when I tire of everything, when Highland has recovered enough... *He shook his head, quieting. He was about to suggest that they get together and he meet whatever judgement Seed deigned of him.*

Culgan: Perhaps. Perhaps not. *He smiled sadly, that smile showing no traces of anger now.* Only time will tell. It's too soon now, so please, leave before you meet him. And... *He closed his eyes for a moment, then just lay back down on the bed, without looking at the door. The rage was gone; he knew that he wouldn't hurt the strategist if they'd ever meet again.* Go now. And take care of yourself, Klaus.

Klaus: *He nodded with a faint, tired smile, and left the room. He knew that the chances were he'd never relate with Seed or Culgan as he used to. The worlds they lived in were different now; they'd never be comrades like they had been in L'Renouille.* The war... it took many things away from me. *He murmured to himself, not with bitterness but rather hollowly. He pulled on the usual pleasant demeanor before descending the stairs to meet with his men. He was exhausted after what Culgan had put him through, but he would follow the advise given and leave before Seed arrived at the town.*